[As Christmas draws ever closer, we hope you’re taking time to consider the truth behind God breaking into the world as a baby. Read what John Piper says on December 18, then read our offering.]

God put [Christ] forward… to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:25-26

Let your frustrations with this world throw you onto the Word of God. It will become sweet — like walking into paradise.

–John Piper, The Dawning of Indestructible Joy, Page 59*

John Piper shared how Martin Luther found himself frustrated in pursuing self-justification. Only when God revealed Himself through His Word to be both just and the justifier of those who trust Jesus, did Luther find freedom from trying save himself.

We cannot justify ourselves. Nothing in the world can bring peace and joy. We will always end up frustrated apart from faith in Jesus.

Consider where you find yourself frustrated this Christmas season. How are you trying to justify yourself?

As John Piper suggests, throw yourself onto God’s Word. As you open your Bible, ask Him to reveal the root of your frustration and the key to peace and joy through faith in Jesus — the Babe in the manger.

Father God, You know where I am pursuing self-justification. You know where I have been deceived by the world through the teaching of self-help. Open my spirit to receive the truth in Your Word I need to hear today.